Born Again

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Summary

This passage from John chapter 3 recounts a pivotal encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, who seeks Jesus out under the cover of night. This clandestine meeting itself signifies a departure from the expected social norms of the time, highlighting a spiritual stirring within Nicodemus that compels him to engage with Jesus despite potential repercussions to his own standing. Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus as a teacher sent by God, recognizing the divine authority behind the miraculous signs Jesus performs. However, Jesus immediately redirects the conversation to a fundamental truth: the necessity of being “born again” to see the kingdom of God. This concept of spiritual rebirth is presented not as a physical possibility of re-entering one’s mother’s womb, but as an essential transformation of one’s inner being. This encounter underscores that intellectual recognition of Jesus’ divine origin is insufficient; a radical, spiritual renewal is required for one to truly perceive and understand the realm of God. The darkness of the night symbolizes not only the physical setting but also the spiritual condition of humanity before encountering Christ, emphasizing that this need for rebirth is universal, transcending social status or religious affiliation.

Jesus elaborates on the nature of this rebirth, explaining that it is “of water and the Spirit.” The reference to water can be understood in the context of cleansing and perhaps baptism, signifying a break from the old way of life. More significantly, the birth “of the Spirit” emphasizes the crucial role of divine intervention and the Holy Spirit’s work in this transformative process. Just as physical birth brings forth flesh, spiritual birth brings forth spirit. Jesus stresses that this is not merely an external change but a fundamental shift in one’s very nature. He uses the analogy of the wind, which blows where it wishes, its origin and destination unknown, yet its presence is undeniable through its effects. Similarly, those born of the Spirit are moved and directed by God in ways that may not always be fully comprehensible to human understanding. This highlights the sovereign nature of God’s work in regeneration; it is not something that can be controlled or fully grasped by human intellect alone. The necessity of this spiritual rebirth is presented as an absolute condition for entering the kingdom of God, challenging any notion that outward adherence to religious practices or societal standing is sufficient for salvation.

The discourse then shifts to illustrate how one experiences this rebirth and enters into eternal life. Jesus draws a parallel to the Old Testament account in Numbers 21, where Moses lifted up a bronze serpent in the wilderness so that anyone bitten by a fiery serpent could look at it and live. In the same way, Jesus declares that the Son of Man must be lifted up, referring to his crucifixion. This act of being lifted up on the cross becomes the focal point for salvation. The key to receiving this salvation is belief. Just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze serpent in faith to be healed from physical death, so too must individuals look to Jesus Christ, lifted up on the cross, and believe in him to be saved from spiritual death and receive eternal life. This connection between the Old Testament event and the sacrifice of Jesus underscores the continuity of God’s redemptive plan throughout history. The emphasis is placed squarely on faith in Jesus Christ as the means by which one receives the promised eternal life, a life that is a direct result of the spiritual rebirth spoken of earlier in the conversation.

Ultimately, this encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus reveals that entering the kingdom of God is not a matter of lineage, social status, or even intellectual understanding of religious law. It requires a radical transformation, a spiritual rebirth initiated by the Holy Spirit and received through faith in Jesus Christ. This new birth results in a new nature, enabling individuals to see and enter God’s kingdom. The analogy of the bronze serpent highlights that salvation is found by looking in faith to the one lifted up, acknowledging one’s need for a savior from the deadly consequences of sin. This message transcends the specific context of Nicodemus’s inquiry, offering a universal truth about the pathway to salvation and the nature of true spiritual life. The entire exchange emphasizes God’s initiative in salvation and the necessity of a personal encounter that leads to a complete renewal of the individual’s heart and spirit.

Quote: “Truly truly I say to you unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Key Scriptures

John 3:3: This verse establishes the fundamental requirement of being born again in order to perceive the kingdom of God, highlighting the necessity of spiritual transformation. View NIV version
John 3:5: This scripture clarifies that being born again involves both water and the Spirit, suggesting a dual aspect of cleansing and spiritual regeneration for entering God’s kingdom. View NIV version
Ezekiel 36:26-27: This Old Testament prophecy speaks of God giving a new heart and a new spirit, removing the heart of stone and putting His Spirit within, which relates to the concept of spiritual rebirth and enabling obedience. View NIV version
Psalm 51:10: The Psalmist’s plea to God to “create in me a clean heart” reflects the need for inner renewal and transformation, a desire for spiritual rebirth. View NIV version
Numbers 21:8-9: This passage recounts Moses lifting up a bronze serpent so that those who looked at it would live, which Jesus uses as an analogy for his being lifted up on the cross for the salvation of those who believe. View NIV version
John 3:14-15: Jesus directly connects the lifting up of the serpent by Moses to the lifting up of the Son of Man, stating that whoever believes in him will have eternal life. View NIV version

Key Takeaways

Encountering Jesus can happen even in the “darkness” of one’s life, signifying a spiritual awakening.
Spiritual rebirth is not optional but a necessary condition to truly understand and enter the kingdom of God.
Being “born again” is a work of the Spirit, bringing about a fundamental change in one’s nature.
Outward religious practices or social status are insufficient for salvation without this inner transformation.
The cleansing aspect of “water” and the regenerating power of the “Spirit” are both involved in spiritual rebirth.
Just as the wind’s origins and destination are mysterious, the working of the Holy Spirit in regeneration is often beyond full human comprehension.
Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, who was lifted up just as the bronze serpent was in the wilderness.
True belief in Jesus leads to eternal life and freedom from the power of sin.
Intellectual understanding of scripture is not enough; a personal encounter with God leading to regeneration is essential.
The experience of being born again is a radical transformation, a new beginning from the ground up, rather than a mere improvement of one’s existing life.

Questions To Consider

Reflecting on the “nighttime” in Nicodemus’s life, what “dark” areas in your own life might be prompting a deeper seeking of God?
Jesus states that one must be “born again” to see the kingdom of God. What does this concept of spiritual rebirth mean to you, and how might it manifest in a person’s life?
The passage mentions being born of “water and the Spirit.” How might you interpret these two elements in the context of your own spiritual journey or understanding of salvation?
Consider the analogy of the wind. How have you experienced or witnessed the seemingly unseen yet powerful work of the Holy Spirit in your life or the lives of others?
Jesus connects his being lifted up to the lifting up of the bronze serpent for healing. How does understanding this Old Testament parallel deepen your appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ and the nature of salvation through faith?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before you recognizing that like Nicodemus, there have been times in my life when I have been in darkness, perhaps not physically, but spiritually. I thank you for your Spirit that stirs within hearts, drawing us to seek you even in the night. Lord, I pray for a true and deep understanding of what it means to be born again, not just as a concept, but as a living reality in my life. I ask that you would work in me through your Holy Spirit, bringing about a genuine transformation, cleansing me like water and empowering me with your Spirit. Help me to not just have intellectual knowledge but a regenerated heart that truly sees and experiences your kingdom. Just as the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent and were healed, help me to always look to Jesus lifted up on the cross, believing in his saving grace. Grant me the spiritual sight to recognize my need for you and to continually surrender my life, allowing you to make me new from the ground up. May my life be a testament to the radical change that comes from being born of the Spirit, and may I walk in obedience and faith, reflecting your love and truth to those around me. Amen.

Action Steps

1: Personal Reflection on Spiritual State

Task 1: Identify Areas of “Darkness”

Step 1: Find a quiet time and space where you can reflect without distractions.
Step 2: Consider areas in your life where you feel spiritually distant, confused, or unfulfilled. These could be related to habits, relationships, beliefs, or your understanding of God.
Step 3: Write down these areas of “darkness” in a journal or on a piece of paper. Be honest with yourself about where you sense a need for spiritual light and change.

Task 2: Evaluate Your Understanding of “Born Again”

Step 1: Review the scripture John 3:3-8 and the summary provided in this study guide about being “born again.”
Step 2: Reflect on your current understanding of this concept. Is it merely intellectual assent, or do you believe it involves a deep, spiritual transformation?
Step 3: Consider if you have personally experienced this kind of spiritual rebirth. If so, describe what that experience was like. If not, prayerfully consider what it might mean for your life.

2: Seeking Spiritual Renewal

Task 1: Pray for the Holy Spirit’s Work

Step 1: Set aside time for focused prayer.
Step 2: Ask God to reveal any areas in your life where you need spiritual renewal.
Step 3: Specifically pray for the Holy Spirit to work in your heart, bringing about the “birth of the Spirit” that Jesus described. Ask for a deeper understanding and experience of His power and guidance.

Task 2: Engage with Scripture

Step 1: Read John chapter 3 in its entirety, paying close attention to the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus.
Step 2: Look up and read the Old Testament passages referenced (Ezekiel 36:26-27 and Numbers 21:8-9) to understand their context and connection to Jesus’ teachings.
Step 3: Reflect on how these scriptures speak to the necessity of a new heart, the work of the Spirit, and the means of salvation through looking to Jesus.

3: Embracing Faith and Transformation

Task 1: Acknowledge Your Need for a Savior

Step 1: Honestly assess your own sinfulness and your need for God’s forgiveness and salvation.
Step 2: Recognize that you cannot earn your way into God’s kingdom through good deeds or religious practices alone.
Step 3: Confess your need for Jesus Christ as your Savior, believing that his sacrifice on the cross is the means by which you can be cleansed and made new.

Task 2: Take a Step of Faith

Step 1: If you have not already done so, make a conscious decision to place your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. This involves trusting in his death and resurrection as the payment for your sins.
Step 2: If you are already a believer, consider if there are areas in your life where you need to surrender more fully to God’s will and allow the Holy Spirit to bring further transformation.
Step 3: Identify one practical step you can take this week to live out your faith more intentionally, such as spending more time in prayer, reading the Bible, or serving others.

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Conclusion

The encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus serves as a timeless reminder of the fundamental requirement for spiritual rebirth to truly perceive and enter the kingdom of God. This transformation, brought about by the Holy Spirit, is not a superficial adjustment but a radical new beginning, akin to a completely new construction rather than a mere renovation. The necessity of this rebirth transcends societal status and intellectual understanding, emphasizing that salvation is accessed through faith in Jesus Christ, who was lifted up as the means of healing from the deadly consequences of sin, just as the bronze serpent offered physical life in the wilderness. Key takeaways include the significance of seeking God even in our darkest moments, the absolute necessity of spiritual regeneration, the active role of the Holy Spirit in this process, and the centrality of faith in Christ for salvation and eternal life. Embracing this truth requires a personal reflection on our spiritual state, a seeking of God’s renewing work, and a conscious step of faith towards the transformative power of the Gospel.

Test Your Understanding

According to Jesus, unless one is ________ ________, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Being born again involves being born of ________ and the ________.
In Ezekiel 36, God promises to give a ________ ________ and put a new ________ within.
Moses lifted up a ________ ________ in the wilderness so that those who looked at it would live, which foreshadows Jesus being lifted up.
Salvation comes through ________ in Jesus Christ.

Solution to Quiz

born again
water, Spirit
new heart, spirit
bronze serpent
faith

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